Recommended Hotels in Gangtok, Sikkim, India

Recommended Hotels in Gangtok, Sikkim, India by mr.hotsia

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim state, India, is one of the destinations that I, mr.hotsia, must say that finding accommodation here has its own charm and challenges, especially if you don’t book in advance like I did, traveling unhurriedly and wanting to truly experience the atmosphere of this city.

Gangtok is located in the highlands of the Himalayas, connected to nearby towns and other parts of India via Highway 31A, which links to Siliguri. It takes about 3-4 hours by car from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri city. The advantage of traveling here is that the roads are quite good, and jeep or bus services conveniently connect to various towns in Sikkim.Read more about my travel experience to Gangtok

Atmosphere and Accommodation Location in Gangtok

When I arrived in Gangtok, I didn’t book a hotel in advance because I thought accommodation prices here wouldn’t be as high as in Kolkata. During the rainy season, prices actually dropped by more than half, making it a great opportunity for travelers who are not in a hurry. I chose to stay atHotel View Pointwhich is located opposite GM Mart, a shopping area and a lively spot where locals gather to relax and shop.

This location is very good because it’s not far from the city center and close to a local market with a wide variety of food and goods to taste and shop conveniently. As a foodie, I didn’t miss trying local dishes at the nearby market, and I must say the taste and atmosphere of the street food here are charms that are hard to find elsewhere.

Accommodation Prices and Best Time to Visit

I’d like to share my direct experience regarding accommodation prices in Gangtok. During the rainy season when I visited, prices dropped by more than half compared to the winter season, which is Sikkim’s high season. If you plan to visit during the winter, which coincides with Thailand’s winter, I recommend booking hotels in advance because prices will soar and most accommodations fill up quickly.

However, during off-peak seasons like the rainy or summer seasons, traveling here without advance booking still offers some flexibility. Many hotels in Gangtok and other towns in Sikkim still have available rooms at affordable prices. This is a great opportunity for backpackers or those who want to travel leisurely without rushing.

Comfort and Services at Hotel View Point

At Hotel View Point where I stayed, besides a good location, the service was comfortable. The rooms were clean, had hot water, and the staff were friendly, providing excellent advice on places to visit and travel in Sikkim. This hotel is suitable for tourists looking for mid-range accommodation that is not luxurious but fully equipped.

Besides Gangtok, if you are interested in exploring other towns in Sikkim such asPellingwhich offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, orNamchiwhich is the center of South Sikkim and has interesting local culture, traveling by shared jeep connecting these towns is convenient and affordable.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere in Gangtok

In Gangtok, you will find a lifestyle blending Tibetan and Nepali cultures perfectly. GM Mart market near my hotel is a place where locals sell local products including vegetables, fruits, spices, and handicrafts, as well as street food stalls with fragrant spices inviting you to eat.

I spent several hours exploring the market and chatting with locals, trying food that was both spicy and uniquely flavored like Pering fried rice with local herbs, or even hot tea that warmed me on cool, pleasant days.

Advice from mr.hotsia for Staying in Gangtok

If you are planning a trip to Sikkim and want to stay in Gangtok, I recommend looking for accommodation near the GM Mart market area because it is convenient, easy to get around, and you get to experience daily life and truly taste local food.

For booking accommodation, if traveling in winter, you should book at least 1-2 months in advance for peace of mind. But if it’s the rainy or summer season, you can try arriving first and then finding accommodation because prices are much cheaper and there are many options.

Finally, don’t forget to prepare your body for the frequently changing weather in Gangtok, especially in the mornings and nights which can be cooler than expected. I, mr.hotsia, enjoy walking around this market area after dinner because I get to see the lifestyle and hear local music woven into every corner of the city.

Watch Videos to Experience Sikkim’s Atmosphere from mr.hotsia

If you want to see real images and sounds from my trip to Sikkim, you can follow the videos I have made, such asSikkim (Sikkim), IndiaorShe who sings beautifully, a small village in Sikkimwhich sincerely convey the stories and culture I experienced.

I hope this article helps you visualize staying in Gangtok more clearly and prepare to experience a unique adventure in the state of Sikkim. mr.hotsia travel with passion!